OMG! This has definitely been the most exciting week yet! I think that the stars are truly shining through, making America's decision much easier in finding this year's American Idol!

Let's start with Tuesday night's show. It was obvious, 16-year-old Baylie Brown would find a spot in the Top 24. She's young, spunky and had the talent to back her up. Unfortunately, forgetting her lyrics during the trio lost her a spot in the Top 24. SHOCKING! No, but really it is.

We also saw Perla Meneses, who although looked like Shakira, did not sound like her. She was sent home, as well. I was actually kind of bummed, though she did make me laugh.

Okay, I'll get back to the recap but I'm very upset! So, here I am, typing my blog, while I watch the show that introduces us to the Top 24 -- partly so I don't have to cramp my hand by writing notes, and partly because ... well, I don't want to cramp my hand by writing notes.

Now, at first I was stoked to see who they chose. I mean, I adore Chris Sligh, Nick Pedro, and Lakisha Jones. But, are you going to tell me that Antonella Barba has a better chance than Marisa Rhodes? Sure, Antonella is beautiful, but she completely forgot her words.

THAT is why some talented contestants, like Baylie Brown and 16-year-old Matt Soto, were sent home. And, then, on top of that, you are really going to say "Sundance," who sang half his song flat because he was pushing too hard, deserves to be there more than the talented and fun-loving Thomas Daniels? I just don't understand it!

Sending home Paula Meneses, Rachel Jenkins (who I liked), Nicole Turner, and Jordy Steinberg along with her whole group, I can take. But now, it's just turned ridiculous! How are you going to tell Ashlyn Carr that she hasn't made it to Hollywood, to call her back in to tell her she did make it, to send her BACK home after her first day in Hollywood? It makes you really wonder. What is it that the judges are looking for this year?

I assume the answer is in Melinda Dolittle, who was originally a back-up singer; Brandon Rogers, who was a back-up singer, too; Gina Glocksen, who auditioned for a second time; Haley Scarnato; Philip Stacy, who missed the birth of his daughter so he could audition; Chris Sligh, who has the body of Christina Aguilera; Blake Lewis, who not only wants to have a song on the radio but actually wants to be a radio; Rudy Cardenas; Paul Kim, who from this point will be barefoot; Jordan Sparks; A.J. Tabaldo, who auditioned five times; Stephanie Edwards; Leslie Hunt; Nicholas Pedro, another veteran to American Idol auditions; Alaina Alexander, Chris Richardson, Sabrina Sloan, Amy Crofts and Nicole Tranquilo -- whose names, quite honestly, I didn't pay attention to nor to the spelling of them -- Lakisha Jones, who I was really moved by, Jared Gotter; Antonella Barba; Sanjaya Malakar and Sundance.

There it is -- your Top 24. Those are the people who obviously have what the judges were looking for. Though I agree with most of the decisions made, there are some I just don't understand. Going back to the recap -- Blake Lewis, Chris Sligh, and Rudy Cardenas were definitely one of the few Tuesday night highlights.

They were totally on point and very entertaining. Watching Amanda Coluccio, her best friend Antonella Barba and Baylie Brown were also entertaining to watch ... in a different way. After watching them struggle with the words, Amanda felt it was only right to cease her stress by flirting with some of the fellow male contestants. So, it was no surprise that when the time came to perform, it became a disaster almost immediately.

After Baylie was sent home, and the other two stayed, Baylie had a few insulting words for her former group members. Though, in the end, Amanda was as well sent home with a bitter goodbye to her best friend who moved on.

It was also a very bittersweet night for Sanjaya Malakar, who as well said goodbye to his sister who was sent home. (I can't remember her name.) All in all, after all the drama, tears of sadness and joy, and forgotten lyrics, we are now down to the Top 24! Get your phones and fingers ready! AMERICA START VOTING!!!

Thank you, all of you, for once again reading my blog. I know is the real highlight of your week. Love, Mikalah

[Mikalah Gordon was a contestant on the fourth season of "American Idol." Visit her Web site, mikalah-gordon.org.]

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I have been asked many times about what really goes on during the audition process. Do you really sleep outside? Do Randy, Simon and Paula see everyone? Do you go straight to Hollywood?

Experiencing this process firsthand, I am going to give you a little insight on what really goes on.

For my audition in Las Vegas, 9,000 people showed up. I got in line at 2 in the morning and waited until noon. Fortunately, I got very lucky and did not have to sleep outside for a few days. When they finally opened the doors, we waited in line yet again for a wristband and filled out some paperwork.

We went back the next day at around 4 in the morning and watched as people filled up at the arena. We were then informed that there were two auditions before being able to see the judges. Around 11 that same day, each row walked down to about nine tables in the middle of the arena.

We sang a few notes in front of American Idol producers. They weeded the 9,000 to about 500. That group of 500 again waited and auditioned for the executive producers, who weeded the 500 contestants to about 200.

That 200 got to go home for the night, only to return to the arena the next day and audition for the judges. So, in reality, the judges only have to see about 200 contestants, rather than the 11,000 who show up.

After much stress and anxiety, once they say "You're going to Hollywood," you don't actually leave until a month later. It is amazing what the magic of television can create.

Now, don't misunderstand that everyone goes through the same audition process; this was only my experience.

What I can say is that auditions are all pretty much the same. The whole process of auditions is definitely not an overnight gig. You have about a month to prepare again after each audition until you make it to the Top 24.

After next week's Hollywood rounds, I'll fill you in on how those auditions work. I can't wait to see what "Hollyweird" will have in store for us!

WE'RE GOIN' TO HOLLYWOOD!!! Much love! Mikalah

[Mikalah Gordon was a contestant on the fourth season of "American Idol." Visit her Web site, mikalah-gordon.org.]

Click here for more 'Idol' news, photos, recaps, rumors and more.

Maybe it was me, but only having to watch one hour of the auditions each night kept it short and simple.

It was easy to watch the show with less sarcasm and really see some potential talent. Tuesday night, we started off in Birmingham, Ala. Finally, we saw some contestants who I think are definitely finalist material. That being said, it brings me right to Chris Sligh!

Not only was he the first contestant with a great personality, he also has the "body of Christina Aguilera." His unique rendition of "Kiss From a Rose" kept me wanting more. He is funny, and though may come off as cocky to some, he has the talent to back it up. I LOVE HIM!

We also met Tatianna McConnico. At 17, her voice is strong and her tone is beautiful. I am still not sure if she will end up in the finals, but she had a great audition. Of course, American Idol wouldn't be the same without the usual
nut job -- this time, Margaret Fowler. Busting through those doors in her self-made attire, she looked like nothing more than a 50-year-old Big Bird.

Having said that, I think that if you can flash your gut at 50 on national television, you have alot of hutzpah. I
only wish my grandma was that cool. We had the regular pleading, begging, and desperation, but I think that
Birmingham -- home of Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard, and Bo Bice -- could really crown yet another winner this
year. My bet is Chris Sligh.

Los Angeles Auditions

Moving on ... the next night, we finally hit up Los Angeles. Hmmm, I have "Hotel California" stuck in my head this morning. Thinking there was every opportunity that L.A. auditions could end up being more dramatic that New York's, I was pleasantly surprised. Granted, it was only one hour long. Home of Katharine McPhee, we knew it would take a lot more than Paula and her "Coca-Cola" cup to judge these contestants fairly.

Olivia Newton John, is a world renowned singer. With hits like "Physical" and "Hopelessly Devoted," American Idol felt she would be good to join their team. Though the night seemed disastrous, starting with "Eccentric," the human panther, it quickly turned around. I do just have to say one more time though -- Martik "Eccentric" Manoukian was completely ridiculous. Hideous or not, he made me laugh with his intensity and "sex appeal."

After watching Marriana Riccio bargain with the judges after being rejected, I love the fact she thought by bringing her mother in, they would say yes. True enough, the mom was stunning, but they would both continue to look beautiful all the way home. Now, I know I say I hate sob stories, but I totally dug Alaina Alexander.

It's inspiring to see someone quit what they love to do and try to start living the "normal life." Though she may not be the best singer, she has got this genuine innocence and gratitude about her. I think, given the chance, America will really like her.

Another total potential I saw last night, was Brandon Rogers. He sang a beautiful version of "You Were Always On My Mind." Let's get serious though, would you expect anything less from someone who sang back-up for Christina Aguilera? I don't think so.

One story that really touched my heart was Sherman Pore. After having his wife die of cancer, he still allowed her dream to carry on. It was very classy for American Idol to air that, and Mr. Pore is a very classy man.

One relationship that was not so classy was Cavett Carr and Darold Gray. Not only was there semi-porn going on in front of Ryan and 37 million people, neither one of them could carry a tune. Thank God they have each other.

So to sum it up, I think we have seen some serious potential and maybe even the NEXT American Idol. Until next week, peace out!

[Mikalah Gordon was a contestant on the fourth season of "American Idol." Visit her Web site, mikalah-gordon.org.]

Well, I am finding it very hard to begin this blog. I am torn between starting with Julie -- I mean Isadora -- who basically had an orgasm on national television, or Ian Bernardo, who not only told Simon to F-off (which usually I respect but found it odd for him to say), who as well thinks he is quite the superstar.

Okay. Let's just start with the premise of last night's show. We started off in The Big Apple. New York City! There, we saw 16,000 hopefuls waiting in line to be the next American Idol -- only to find at the end of the day, 35 people were chosen.

As usual, they worked up the nerve to audition in front of Simon, Randy, and a more sober Paula, but found themselves in front of this weeks guest judge, Carol Bayer Sager. If you are finding yourself unsure of who she is, let me inform you that I was riding in that same boat not too long ago. I have since learned she has worked with Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and my favorite, Barbra Streisand. Now that your mind is no longer pondering, lets get to the goods.

Though Ian Bernardo could have easily been my favorite finalist last night, with those big lips and sexy dance moves, and dramatic point of view, the real Golden Globe simply must go to Ashanti Johnson. Her desperation and dramatic monologue were not only annoying, but completely uncomfortable. I will say though, I didn't think her voice was that bad. Another dramatic encounter we all had to endure last night was Sarah Burgess, who lied to her parents because her father doesn't believe in her.

Though it could have been touching last night when Sarah called her father, again I was annoyed and wanted to continue on with the show. I will say it again, I am over the sob stories. Just get out there and sing and let your voice shine for you. One contestant whose voice really did shine, probably because she gives a very trashy looking first impression, was Porcelana Patino, or in her words "Rocky."

As many I'm sure, seeing Porcelana on the big screen kind of reminded me of watching Jerry Springer, but, to my surprise, she actually had a very good voice. If she works on her image A LOT, I think she could continue on successfully. Eighteen year old Rachel Zevita, who is another liar as well, also proved that first impressions are not always what they seem to be. She proved that she can sing anything and make it sound pretty good. I just worry that she hasn't completely found herself and in a competition like this, you really need to start with a good self awareness base. We'll see.

We also saw Kia Thornton who sang "Ain't No Way." Now, call me racist or ignorant (I know you will) but though her voice was good, there was something very average about her. I felt like she really was trying too hard. Point blank, if I feel like hearing a Black girl blow some gospel, I will go back and watch season three of American Idol, or walk down to the local gospel church. Again, just my opinion. The only one who my heart actually went out for was Nakia Claiborne. She came with great energy singing "Dancing In The Streets." Though her heart seemed kind, it was obvious her intonation was so not there.

Yet, to see the transformation from when she walked in to the audition to when she walked out, it did pull at my heart. She seemed very genuine, and it was clear this wasn't the first time she had been told no. She actually was my favorite. Among some of the contestants I have mentioned who made it through to Hollywood, there were quite a few more. Sixteen year old Henry, who I thought Paula was going to be locked up for with those googly eyes, forgetting he is SIXTEEN, made it through along with Amanda Coluccio and Antonella Barbra who are best friends.

Though two very cute girls, they seem a little naive about the business. You can have your friends, but this is a
business and Simon couldn't have said it better: "When someone is down, kick them." Sad but very true. There were a few others who made it through but none of them stick out in my mind I'm afraid. Except for maybe a fellow Jew by the name of Sarah Goldberg. I completely didn't get what point she was trying to make. She knew she couldn't carry a tune, yet proceeded on telling the judges she really was the next American Idol.

I think everyone is losing the idea of what this show is about. Nobody cares if you are nice or are pretty or are unique. This is a singing competition. That's it. That is what an American Idol is for this show. Not one who brings world peace. All in all, it was another dramatic show with 35 people who will get turned down in Hollywood. Until next week. Peace out.

[Mikalah Gordon was a contestant on the fourth season of "American Idol." Visit her Web site, mikalah-gordon.org.]

What's up guys?! It's Mikalah Gordon here from season four of American Idol. I have been given the opportunity, thanks to AOL, to give you a weekly blog of my thoughts and opinions of this years A.I.

Now, enough chit chat, lets get on with the gossip.

As I sat in front of the TV eating the best enchilada in the world, I heard a familiar song that took me right back to my audition two years ago. My heart started beating and my palms got sweaty. It was the A.I. theme song. I must admit I was kind of nervous. I never realized how dramatic that intro song could be!

Minneapolis was the first stop. Ten thousand people lined up, but in the end, only 17 people were lucky enough to make it through to Hollywood. Now, question: How do you choose 17 people out of 10,000? Well, watching some of the auditions, it wasn't too hard to make the decision.

We started the night off with Jessica Rhodes, who happened to adore singer/songwriter Jewel -- who just happened to be last night's guest judge. Coincidence? I think not. Though Miss Jessica seemed very driven and determined, she was a tad bit emotional. I'm not into criers but I guess, what IS American Idol with no drama right? Unfortunately, Jessica was the first of many to be rejected.

Next we had Troy Benum. Troy, who never saw the No. 1 show in the world, let alone America (could Ryan have said that one more time?) felt he had a lot of talent. He brought his Amish love, but the judges just weren't feelin' it. REJECTED.

More auditions continued after the break, going from bad to worse. Having people consider themselves to be the next Mariah Carey and arguing with the judges when told they were tone deaf, to a man dressing up as a boxer, proving he could really "knock this audition out." As things slowly went down hill, a little light came through.

Sixteen-year-old Danish Jackson appeared on the screen. Singing "And I'm Telling You," she showed great confidence and poise, proving she would be moving on to the next round. I did like her. Keyword, DID. It may sound harsh, but I am so over the sob story. I am sorry you were a crack baby, but get out there and just sing. Allow your voice to carry you, not sympathy. Other than that, I do think she will continue to go far.

A few others who were selected for the bright lights were Perla Meneses, who has a strong resemblance to Shakira and Jared Faller -- who is in the Navy and felt it neccessary to wear his uniform. He must have run out of clean clothes. Rounding out the crew: 16-year-old Matt Sato, who sang "California Dreamin'," but has no support from his family and spent all of his money on his school show choirs; Rachel Jenkins, who as well wore Army fatigues and sang "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" slightly sharp; and Sarah Krueger, who sang the most original song yet, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." : )

It truly was a dramatic night with Jason Alexnader finishing things off with his Irish jig and politely telling the judges to "F-off" after crying on his mother's shoulder. I am looking forward to tonight. Hopefully Seattle's got what it takes. Peace out. M

[Mikalah Gordon was a contestant on the fourth season of "American Idol." Visit her Web site, mikalah-gordon.org.]

Click here for more 'Idol' news, photos, recaps, rumors and more.